I will never get this comment that gets repeated infinitely. Servers in the US are absolutely laughing all the way to the bank with all their absurdly high tips that many times more than make up for their shitty hourly wage. Let's say a server in the EU gets say £12 hourly wage Vs in us say £3. The EU server has made £90 at the end of their shift + maybe some tips. Let's call it £130 total (being generous considering the argument's assumption is they get zero tips and are happy with that). Meanwhile the US server has made £22.50 in wages and like £200++ in tips.
That 100£ difference? The EU server paid pension benefits, health insurance and unemployment benefits. Also, any day they -or their children are ill or they’re lounging on some beach for any of those 21+ paid days off, they still make the 100£.
Because they know they will take away £90. It doesn't matter if it's a slow day, if they're having an off day. They don't have to jump about like performing monkeys to appease the clientele, they can just be themselves. They also don't have to worry about forking out hundred of pounds/euros for healthcare, have better sickness and annual leave policies. People who feel looked after are happier and do better work.
It depends on many factors and of course then varies quite a bit depending on the venue, but median server income in the US is around 17 USD/hr (this is including tips). This is similar to the median server salary in Germany (13-16 euro), which doesn't include tips.
And the majority of US servers don't receive employer health insurance, paid time off, and a variety of other social benefits. EU servers aren't living large but I think they likely benefit from more income stability and a much strong safety net.
Anyway, the point was that US servers rely on big tips and their behavior reflects that. I think that stands regardless :)
Most people tip in Germany, in the 5-10% range, by rounding up to the nearest euro or two. It doesn't come close to what servers get in the US, but it is enough for a couple of drinks, thus "trinkgeld".
So then they can get payed what the work is worthy and don’t need to put up with a charade to get more money…
Tipping culture to me still seems weird.
I will tip if I think I got exeptional service and I give extra as I please (I do so in EU) but the whole let’s get math class after dinner seems unecessary time consuming. And the whole interaction seem fake anyway.
As a bartender in Europe, I try to be friendly because I enjoy my job more when I do that. Not for tips. But...Our salaries arn't that high and we do appreciate tips.
One of the nicest people in the US was around 20 years ago when I had to travel from Nottingham to Grand Haven. She was married had a young son and her husband an ex-marine, who offered for me to stay with them for 1 week in 4, after only meeting me three times. I always received the stipend/funds in my bank account before I left as I wasn't high enough to clarify for a business credit card but refused to pay over £1000 in expenses for each trip, which normally took 6-8 weeks to be paid. Her son and I would hide the £1000 in a not so obvious place, so as to make it a game to find the money. Sadly, they moved to Vegas and we lost touch. America has many problems at the moment and coming from England, that's also true. American hospitality can be off the charts and I'll be forever grateful they opened their home to me, had beers with me, cooked meals for me, all with no expectation of anything in return. I did introduce them to a full on English breakfast, as well as English staples such as Shepherd's Pie. I know they won't see this, but Angelique, Tony and Budy, I still think about your kindness and I thank you for letting me into your lives for just over two years. I miss you.
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u/crash-o-matic 4h ago
And its not an act, just to get a higher tip.